People have heard of indoor wood burning stoves, but usually that's where their knowledge ends. Most people have no idea that there are also outdoor wood stoves that exist. However, an outdoor wood stove is a completely different type of stove and should only be purchased by people that both have the need and location to install one. There are a lot of positives to having an outdoor wood burning stove, but there are also a lot of things to be aware of. Here is a list of some of the perks and problems to be aware of when purchasing one.
Since it is self-contained outside, it does not put your home at risk which is often a great relief for cautious home owners. However, there is a longer distance for the heat to travel, which can make it less economical than an indoor stove. Since the unit is heavily insulated and the ductwork buried underground, this often isn't a big deal.
Another benefit to an outdoor stove is that they are generally compatible with central heating and air systems and can also be used to heat hot-tubs and pools. This is a huge improvement over indoor stoves, which generally only heat in the area they are installed and require a chimney to dissipate the smoke. The reason they are able to do this is that rather than providing direct heat, outdoor wood stoves heat water in the unit, which is circulated into the forced air heating system inside the house. This also allows outdoor stoves to be used to heat multiple buildings if necessary, which is a huge upside to help offset the initial investment.
Generally, an outdoor wood stove is much more expensive than an indoor model, but the long term benefit of efficiency makes it worthwhile. This is especially true if you have access to firewood on your own property or can arrange to have cheap firewood delivered. Maintenance can also be an issue that you need to be aware of, as some manufacturers require you to bring the unit to the shop for repair rather than the repairmen come to your home.
Typically, the only practical place to install an outdoor wood stove is in a rural area because of the space required to install it. Although the units do not take a large amount of space, the pipe/ductwork does require extra room to run to your house or heated building. Unless the installation is temporary, most installations require the ductwork to be buried underground, which means that an area must be available to do that. Also, some smoke can settle around the area of the outdoor wood stove, which could be frustrating if you have nearby neighbors.
Overall, an outdoor wood stove is a far more efficient and safer alternative than any other heating system. Although the initial investment is rather hefty, over time the investment pays for itself. If you have the land available and are willing to pay now for cheaper heat later, than buying an outdoor wood stove could be a great choice for your home or business.
